Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream is comfort food with a gourmet twist. Picture this: golden chicken bites glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, nestled over a bed of al dente rotini, all tied together with a silky Parmesan cream that clings to every curve of the pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together easily for a weeknight dinner.
What sets this apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The caramelized honey glaze adds a delightful crunch to the chicken, while the creamy sauce delivers richness without being too heavy. Each bite offers just enough sweetness, salt, and umami to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking to impress or craving a bowl of cozy, this dish is a must-try.
Ingredients for this Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the honey garlic sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the pasta and cream sauce:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan, grated
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until well coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it caramelize for another minute or two. Set aside.
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan cream sauce and stir to coat. Plate the pasta and top with the honey garlic chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce to increase the heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well. Choose one with ridges or grooves to hold the creamy sauce.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream sauce?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan can replace the cheese.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and store the glazed chicken separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm it and combine with pasta just before serving.
What veggies pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach add freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
Description
Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream is an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that transforms dinner into something truly special. This easy recipe brings together golden seared chicken glazed with sweet-savory honey garlic sauce and rich Parmesan cream, all tossed with tender rotini noodles. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a satisfying food idea for family night, or a delicious comfort meal to impress, this pasta recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce hugs every twist of pasta, while the sticky-sweet chicken provides the perfect savory bite. It’s the kind of comforting, easy dinner that feels like a treat every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta and Cream Sauce:
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.
- In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Return chicken to coat and caramelize.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer to thicken, then stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with cream sauce. Serve with honey garlic chicken on top. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.